The year began normally. I was 6 months pregnant with our baby girl. Working part time, being a mom full time. The days were scheduled. I would go to work, dropping Simon at Aunt Julia’s house in the morning. I’d pick him up and we’d eat lunch then he’d nap while I rested.
Simon and I had so much fun together during those last days of him being an “only child”. We played outside in the snow, visited cousins regularly, and enjoyed baking together. He enjoys coloring, eating, and being with people. We also discovered the wonderful children’s museum in town.
Building a “no-man” 
NCCM 
Baking cookies
In January, we flew down to Florida and had a great time in Saint Petersburgh area. Simon loved the beach, the water, and chasing seagulls. We even got to share a meal with Grandpa Doopa one morning, who happened to be in Tampa at the same time as us!
Sunblock on! 
Beach Days 
Our little family
Margo Mae was born in March, just as the lockdowns began. We left the hospital on the day they closed doors to visitors and began strict COVID-19 protocols. I’m thankful that my parents were able to meet her in the hospital the morning she was born. They wouldn’t be able to see her again for a few months due to travel restrictions.
Brand New Baby
2:57 AM, 7lb 6.2 oz, 20.5in
Dada and Margo Mae
Newborn days were made much more difficult than normal due to the quarantine. No outside help, the unknowns of the disease, and food shortages all made for more anxiety. Our community came through for us, though, with an onslaught of food, gifts, and cards. Though Michael and I will both plead introvert, we realized during this time how much we truly need other people in our lives.
Over the next few months we settled in to a new routine. Michael transformed the only extra space in our small house (a tiny back porch) into his home office. We all learned how to use zoom and wear a mask. We learned how to have outside play dates and have contactless cookie drop-offs.
Easter with Uncle 
Family Easter Zoom 
Margo’s first Easter
We didn’t travel as much this year as we usually do, but the trips we did make were still special and memorable. We stayed closer to home and enjoyed local sights: Brant Lake, Plattsburgh, Saratoga, Watertown, Whiteface, and many parks and hikes.
Whiteface 
Splash Park, Watertown 
Out on a hike 
Tuesday Bike Club
Our summer consisted regularly of grilling, beaches, bike rides, garage sales, flower picking, sprinklers and pools, church from the couch, walks, and naps in the sunshine.
A boy and his smoothie 
Summer Walks
Many upgrades to our little house took place this year. Michael has worked diligently to wire, plumb, and refinish to make Debbie’s dream home ideas come true. Inset and pendant lights in the kitchen, new bathroom flooring and toilet, new-to-us dishwasher and range, tree removal, and much more! All very exciting things, as homeowners know.
Our cute home 
New toilet and flooring
Debbie tried her hand at vegetable gardening this year. Only a few handfuls of beans, tomatoes, and one pepper, but overall a very successful learning experience. We joined a CSA (Community supported agriculture), where we got most of our produce from a local farm. Debbie is also enjoying working in her flower gardens and learning more about horticulture.
Giant cabbages from CSA 
Flower Gardens
Debbie began working again in July. Part time, in the afternoons after Michael is done for the day at Clarkson, they switch off watching the kiddos. It’s something she enjoys and a great way to keep the engineering side of her mind active.
Debbie’s grandmother passed away in September. Grandma had been diagnosed with cancer in January. It slowly took her home over the next months as Debbie’s mom and aunts cared diligently for her. She leaves a legacy of hard work, a good attitude, a quiet love for Jesus, and a big love for her family. We are grateful that she got to meet Margo this summer and that she is now with Jesus.
Gramma and Margo 
A portion of Gramma’s legacy
Shortly after, Michael lost his stepmom suddenly. We were thankful to be able to go to Maryland to be with his dad for the services. Laura was a wonderful mom and grandma, always full of laughter.
This fall, Debbie’s Mom and Dad bought a house in Norwood, just ten minutes from Potsdam. We’ve already been able to spend much special time with them and we are looking forward to seeing them more frequently as they divide their time between homes.
Baking with Grammie 
Peep-o-day Cottage
Margo is a sweet baby girl. She loves to watch her big brother, crawl everywhere while laughing, give soft “head bonks” as a sign of affection, eat as much as possible, and sleep all night. We are thankful she is healthy and happy.
Simon is seeming so big these days, as I’m sure I will always think he is, no matter his age. He loves talking, making mouth noises, playing with cars, having books read to him, going to visit people, and helping Dada with projects. He is thoughtful, inquisitive, and likes to figure out how things work.
Sledding 
Mini Mike 
Apple Picking 
Michael continues to work in IT for Clarkson University. He excels at making the internet work everywhere he goes. He is a natural father, and his children adore him. In his spare time he works on house projects, takes care of the cars, or learns about new things.
As 2020 comes to a close, we reflect on all that has happened. Not ideal, and certainly different, this year still held many things to be thankful for. I’m especially thankful for the chance to celebrate the birth of Christ, the Prince of Peace. More than ever do we need peace this year. Peace in our hearts, our homes, in our nation, and in the world. May you know His peace in this season and the seasons to come.
